Instrument with resilient jaws

ABSTRACT

The teachings herein provide an instrument comprising a forceps. The forceps comprise a hand piece; a tubular member connected to the hand piece; and a jaw assembly connected to the hand piece. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw element and a second jaw element. The first jaw element includes a gripping section and a flexing section. The flexing section includes an arcuate section. The second jaw element opposes the first jaw element and includes a gripping section. The tubular member is moveable onto the arcuate section of the first jaw element so that the flexing section of the first jaw element is flexed and the as assembly is moved into a closed position. The first jaw element, the second jaw element, or both include a stiffening spine so that the as assembly is substantially rigid in the closed position.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an instrument, and more particularlyto a forceps instrument having resilient or flexible jaws.

BACKGROUND

Generally, forceps are plier-like instruments that have opposing jaws.The forceps can be used during a medical procedure to effect ananatomical feature of interest such as a vessel or tissue. For example,some forceps can be used to move, grip, grasp, push, pull, cut,coagulate, dissect and/or otherwise effect a vessel or tissue. Theforceps can also be used in non-medically related procedures to move,grip, grasp, push, pull, cut, and/or otherwise effect an object. Someforceps also include electrosurgical capabilities for cutting and/orcoagulating an anatomical feature.

Forceps typically include jaws that are moveable between an open andclosed position, Some forceps have rigid or inflexible jaws so that auniform gripping and/or grasping force can be applied to an object oranatomical feature between the jaws. However, unless the forceps includea discontinuous joint, mechanism and/or assembly, rigid or inflexiblejaws may be difficult to move between the open and closed position. Adiscontinuous joint, mechanism, and/or assembly may, however, requiremultiple parts to be assembled onto the forceps, which may undesirablyadd time and cost to the manufacturing and/or assembly process.Moreover, a discontinuous joint, mechanism, and/or assembly may increasea section size of the forceps, which may restrict use of the forceps inlaparoscopic procedures, for example.

Instead of rigid or inflexible jaws having discontinuous joints,mechanisms, and/or assemblies, some forceps have resilient or flexiblejaws. That is, the resilient or flexible jaws can be moved or biasedbetween an open and closed position without a discontinuous joint,mechanism, and/or assembly. However, due to jaw deflection, somechallenges exist in providing a uniform gripping and/or grasping forcesbetween the jaws with such resilient or flexible jaws. Some examples offorceps are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,849 and 5,445,638, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, intheir entireties for all purposes.

It may therefore be desirable to improve the current state in the art byproving an instrument or forceps having one or more resilient orflexible jaws capable of providing a uniform gripping and/or graspingforces between the jaws without a discontinuous joint, mechanism, and/orassembly. That is, it may be desirable to provide jaws that are capableof applying a uniform gripping and/or grasping force to an object oranatomical feature provided between the gripping portions or a jawassembly.

SUMMARY

The teachings included herein provide an instrument. The instrument maybe a medical instrument such as a medical forceps including one orflexible and/or resilient jaw elements. The instrument may also be anon-medically related instrument or forceps including one or moreflexible and/or resilient jaw elements. A stiffening spine, jaw shroud,or both is provided on one or both of the jaw elements, which mayfunction to stiffen or reinforce the gripping section or portions of thejaw assembly. Accordingly, the jaw elements can be moved or biased intoas closed or gripping position, without requiring a discontinuous joint,while providing a substantially uniform gripping and/or grasping forcesto an object or anatomical feature located between the jaws, the gripingportions, or both.

The teachings herein desirably provide a forceps instrument that can bemanufactured relatively inexpensively and quickly due to not having orrequiring complicated and/or costly discontinuous joints, mechanisms,and/or assemblies. The teachings herein provide an instrument or forcepsthat can be used in various non-medical and medical procedures, such asopen and laparoscopic or minimally invasive procedures.

The teachings herein provide an instrument comprising a forceps. Theforceps comprise a hand piece; a tubular member connected to the handpiece; and a jaw assembly connected to the hand piece. The jaw assemblyincludes a first jaw element and a second jaw element. The first jawelement includes a gripping section and a flexing section. The flexingsection includes an arcuate section. The second jaw element opposes thefirst jaw element and includes a gripping section. The tubular member ismoveable onto the arcuate section of the first jaw element so that theflexing section of the first jaw element is flexed and the jaw assemblyis moved into a closed position. The first jaw element, the second jawelement, or both includes a stiffening spine so that the jaw assembly issubstantially rigid m the dosed position.

The teachings also provide an instrument comprising a forceps, whichcomprise a hand piece: a tubular member moveably connected to the handpiece; and a jaw assembly connected to the hand piece. The jaw assemblyincludes a first jaw element comprising a gripping portion and anarcuate section; and a second jaw element comprising a gripping portion.The tubular member is moveable over the arcuate section of the first jawelement so that the first jaw element is flexed and the jaw assembly ismoved into a closed position. The first jaw element includes a jawshroud so that a uniform gripping pressure is provided along thegripping portion of the first jaw element and the gripping portion ofthe second jaw element.

The teachings further provide an instrument comprising a forceps. Theforceps include a hand piece; a tubular member moveably connected to thehand piece; and as jaw assembly connected to the hand piece. The jawassembly comprises a first jaw element, a second jaw element, astabilizing spine, and a jaw shroud. The first jaw element comprises agripping portion and an arcuate section. The second jaw elementcomprises a gripping portion and an arcuate section. The stabilizingspine is connected to one or both of the first jaw element and thesecond jaw element. The jaw shroud is connected to the stabilizingspine. The tubular member is moveable over the arcuate section of thefirst jaw element and the arcuate section of the second jaw element sothat both the first jaw element and the second jaw element are flexedand the jaw assembly is moved into a closed position. The stabilizingspine and the jaw shroud function to restrict the gripping portion ofthe first jaw element, the gripping portion of the second jaw element,or both from deflecting when the jaw assembly is in the closed positionso that as uniform gripping pressure is provided along the grippingportion of the first jaw element and the gripping portion of the secondjaw element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an instrument.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a jaw clement of the instrument.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the jaw element,a stiffening spine, and a jaw shroud.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the jaw element, thestiffening spine, and the jaw shroud; the jaw shroud is shown intransparent.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the jaw assembly includinga cutting blade.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a jaw element.

FIG. 7a is a side perspective view of a jaw assembly in an openposition.

FIG. 7b is a side view of a jaw assembly in the open position.

FIG. 7c is a side view of a jaw assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 8a is a side view of a jaw assembly in an open position.

FIG. 8b is a side view of a jaw assembly in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/068,101 filed on Oct. 24, 2014, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for allpurposes.

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present teachings provide one or more instruments. The instrumentcan be any suitable instrument used to manipulate, engage, move, grasp,grip, push, pull, cut, tear, coagulate, seal, cauterize, dissect,fulgurate, or otherwise effect an anatomical feature of interest, suchas a vessel, tissue, vein, artery, the like, or a combination thereof.The instrument can be used in open and/or in laparoscopic or minimallyinvasive procedures. The instrument can be a medical forceps, a cuttingforceps, or both. The instrument according to the teachings herein canbe used in various non-medically related procedures. That is, theinstrument can be used to effectively manipulate, engage, move, grasp,grip, push, pull, cut, tear, seal, cauterize, or otherwise effect anobject of interest that is not an non-anatomical feature.

The instrument may be used with or without power. When used with powerthe instrument can be used in electrosurgery. The instrument can be usedin a monopolar circuit, a bipolar circuit, or both. The instrument maybe used with monopolar energy, bipolar energy, blended energy, or acombination thereof. For example, a suitable current, therapy, and/orsignal may be passed from, through, or between one or more of the jaws,a remote pad, a patient or anatomy, or a combination thereof so that anobject or anatomical feature can be cut, coagulated, or both.

The instrument may include a hand piece. The hand piece may function tohouse, support, and/or contain one or more working functions orassemblies of the instrument; the parts of components needed to move oractuate the one or more working functions or assemblies; or acombination thereof. The one or more working functions or assemblies mayinclude as gripping function for gripping, pulling, constricting,coagulating, and/or sealing an object or anatomical feature; a cuttingfunction for cutting, transecting, dissecting an object or anatomicalfeature; or both. The instrument, the hand piece, or both may includesufficient controls for operating, actuating, and/or manipulating theone or more working functions or assemblies. The controls may be locatedanywhere on instrument, the hand piece, at a remote location, or acombination thereof.

The tubular member may function to permit a portion of the instrument tobe inserted into a patient or the anatomy, while a portion of theinstrument remains outside of the patient or anatomy. The tubular membermay be moveable so that the jaw assembly can be moved between an openand closed position. The tubular member may be configured to be insertedinto the anatomy through a trocar. The tubular member may allow for thejaw assembly and/or one or more functional elements to be manipulatedwithout being impeded by a trocar, the anatomy, or both.

The tubular member may be an elongated member that extends along an axis(i.e., a tubular member axis) between opposing proximal and distal ends.The proximal end of the tubular member may be suitably and sufficientlyconnected to the hand piece. The distal end may define an opening (i.e.,a distal opening). The tubular member may be at least partially hollowand may define therein an inner portion, The hollow or inner portion ofthe tubular member, the distal opening, or both, may be sufficientlysized so that the tubular member can be moved (i.e., axially, distally,proximally, or as combination thereof) relative to the flexing sectionsand/or the arcuate sections of one or more of the jaw elements, the handpiece, or a combination thereof. The tubular member may be substantiallystraight; may include one or more angles, bends or arcs; or acombination thereof. The tubular member may be substantially rigid,substantially flexible, substantially resilient, or a combinationthereof.

The tubular member may be movable relative to the jaw assembly, the handpiece, or both so that the jaw assembly can be moved or flexed betweenan open position and as closed position. More specifically, bymanipulating one or more user inputs, the tubular member can be moved ina first direction (i.e., distally relative to the hand piece) overand/or onto the flexing section, the arcuate portion, or both of one ormore of the jaw elements so that the jaw assembly can be moved into asclosed or gripping position. The closed position may be defined as aposition of the jaw elements where virtually no gap or only a slight gapexists between the gripping portions, the electrically conductiveportions or both of the jaw elements. Additionally or alternatively, inthe closed position, a clamping, or gripping force of the grippingportions, the electrically conductive, portions or both of the jawelements may be higher or larger than a clamping or gripping forcebetween the gripping portions, the electrically conductive portions, orboth of the jaw elements when the jaws are in the open position.

The tubular member can be moved in an opposing, second direction (e.g.,proximally relative to the hand piece) so that the jaw assembly can bemoved into the open position. The open position may be defined as thejaw elements being in a spaced apart relationship relative to oneanother. That is, in the open position, a gap may extend betweengripping portions, the electrically conductive portions, or both of thejaw elements. Additionally or alternatively, in the open position, theclamping or gripping force between the gripping portions, theelectrically conductive portions, or both of the jaw elements may beless than the clamping or gripping force between the gripping portions,the electrically conductive portions, or both of the jaw elements whenthe jaw assembly is in the closed position.

The instrument may include one or more jaw assemblies, The jaw assemblymay be configured to perform one or more device functions. For example,the one or more device functions may include effecting an object oranatomical feature of interest, such as: capturing an object or vesselor tissue; grasping an object or vessel or tissue; providing a clampingthree to secure an object, vessel or tissue; providing retraction of anobject, vessel or tissue; providing a compression force across anobject, vessel or tissue captured in the jaw assembly; or a combinationthereof. The jaw assembly may be used in electrosurgery to cut,coagulate, cauterize, dissect, and/or fulgurate an anatomical feature.The jaw assembly can be moved or flexed between an open and closedposition. Preferably, the jaw assembly does not include anydiscontinuous mechanisms, joints, and/or assemblies to move the jawassembly between the open and closed positions.

The jaw assembly may include one or more jaw elements. The jaw elementsmay be moved or articulated to perform one or more of the aforementioneddevice functions. The jaw elements may be moved or articulated when thejaw assembly is moved between the open and closed positions. The jawelements may be arranged to oppose one another. The jaw elements mayinclude an upper jaw element and an identical lower jaw element.Alternatively, the jaw elements need not be identical; that is, thegeometry of the upper jaw element may be different from the lower jawelement. For example, one of the jaw elements may include a flexingsection having one or more arcuate portions or sections, and another oneof the jaw elements may be free of a flexing section, one or morearcuate portions or sections. The jaw elements may be substantiallyrigid; substantially flexible; substantially resilient, or a combinationthereof. That is, the jaw elements may have one or more sections thatare substantially rigid; one or more sections that are substantiallyflexible; one or more sections that are substantially resilient, or acombination thereof The one or more jaw elements may include a flexing,section, an anchoring section, and a gripping section.

The one or more jaw elements may be fabricated from any suitablematerial. Preferably, the jaw elements are fabricated from a materialthat is suitable for use in medical procedures, and is flexible, yetstrong. For example, the jaw elements may be made from sheet metal orwire. Preferably, the jaw elements are fabricated from a material thatcan pass current so that one or more of the jaw elements or jaws can beused in electrosurgery. One or more of the jaw elements may be incommunication with as generator or a source of one or moreelectrosurgical therapies or currents for use in electrosurgicalprocedures. One or more sections of the jaw elements may be covered orcoated in an insulating material so that electrical shorts can beprevented if the jaw elements come into contact.

In a neutral or a steady state position, the jaw assembly may be ineither an open position or in a closed position. Preferably, in aneutral or steady state position, the jaw assembly is in the openposition. By manipulating or actuating one or more user inputs ormechanisms, the jaw assembly, the jaw elements, or both can be moved orflexed into a closed position. More specifically, the tubular member canbe moved distally relative to the hand piece over and/or onto one ormore of the arcuate sections of one or more of the jaw elements, whichmay therefore cause one or both of the jaws or jaw elements to move,pivot, and/or flex into the closed position. That is, the upper jawelement, the gripping portion of the upper jaw element, or both may moveor flex towards the lower jaw element and/or the gripping portion of theupper jaw element, or vice versa. Alternatively, the upper jaw elementor a gripping portion thereof may be moved or flexed towards the lowerjaw element, and the lower jaw element or a gripping portion thereof maybe moved or flexed towards the upper jaw element or gripping portionthereof.

By manipulating or actuating one or more user inputs, the tubular membercan be moved proximally relative to the hand piece and off of thearcuate sections of one or both of the jaw elements, which may thereforecause one or both of the jaws or jaw elements to move, pivot, flexand/or relax into the open position. That is, the upper jaw element, thegripping portion of the upper jaw element, or both may move or flex awayfrom the lower jaw element and/or the gripping, portion of the upper jawelement, or vice versa. Alternatively, the upper jaw element or agripping portion thereof may be moved or flexed away from the lower jawelement, and the lower jaw element or a gripping portion thereof may bemoved or flexed away from the upper jaw element or gripping portionthereof

It may be preferred that the jaw assembly, the jaw elements, or both maybe restricted from translating or moving axially relative to the handpiece. In some configurations, however, one or both of the jaw elementsmay be moveable relative to the hand piece. That is, the proximal endsor portions of the flexing sections, the arcuate sections, or both ofone or more of the jaw elements may be restricted or prevented frommoving relative to the hand piece.

The jaw assembly, one or more of the jaw elements, or both can berotated while the jaw assembly is in an open position, closed position,or in a position there between. Rotating the jaw assembly, one or moreof the jaw elements, or both may provide for a user to alter anorientation or approach of the jaw assembly relative to an object,vessel or tissue without having to twist or adjust the hand piece into adifficult or uncomfortable position. To rotate the jaw assembly, one ormore of the jaw elements, or both a user can manipulate or actuate oneor more user inputs or mechanism, such as turning or rotating a rotationwheel on the hand piece, which in turn causes a rotation mechanism torotate the jaw assembly, the jaw elements, or both.

The one or more jaw elements may include one or more flexing sections,one or more flexing sections may cooperate with the tubular member andfunction to move the jaw assembly, the one or more jaw elements, or bothbetween an open and closed position. The flexing sections may be atleast partially flexible anchor resilient so that the flexing sections,the jaw assembly, the one or more jaw elements, or both can be moved,bent, pivoted, or the like when a pressure or force is applied thereto.When the pressure or force is released or removed, the flexing sections,the jaw assembly, the one or more jaw elements, or a combination thereofcan move, bend, or relax back to an initial, steady state position. Atleast the proximal ends or portions of the flexible sections may berestricted or prevented from moving relative to the hand pieceespecially when the jaw assembly is moved between the open and closedpositions.

The flexing sections rutty include one or more raised or arcuatesections. When a pressure or force is applied to the one or more raisedor arcuate sections, the jaw assembly, a corresponding jaw clement, orboth may can move, bend, or flex into a closed position. The jawassembly, the one or more jaw elements, or a combination thereof canmove, bend, or relax back to an initial, steady state position once thepressure or force is released or minimized or otherwise removed from thearcuate or raised portions. At least the proximal ends or portions ofthe arcuate sections may be restricted or prevented from moving relativeto the hand piece especially when the jaw assembly is moved between theopen and closed positions. The one or more raised or arcuate sectionscan be any feature that is at least partially taller, wider, and/orlarger than the tubular member, an inner portion of the tubular member,an opening of the tubular member (e.g., the distal opening), or acombination thereof. For example, the one or more raised cararcuatesections can be a thickened portion of the jaw elements or a projectionattached to one or both of the jaw elements.

The one or more jaw elements may t elude one or more anchoring sections.The or more anchoring sections may function to anchor or connect the jawelements, the jaw assembly, or both to the hand piece. The anchoringsections may be connected to one or more anchoring rods. The anchoringsection may be integrally formed with the anchoring rod, or may beconnected thereto any suitable method, such as welding, soldering,adhesives, stamp etc. The anchoring rods may be connected to one or moremechanisms in the hand piece, so that when a user actuates one or moreuser controls, the mechanisms, the anchoring rods, and therefore the jawelements and/or jaw assembly is moved. The anchoring rods may beconnected to one or more electrodes. The anchoring rods may beelectrically conductive. The anchoring rods may be in electricalcommunication with the generator. For example, at their distal ends, theanchoring rods may be connected to corresponding electrodes, and attheir proximal ends the anchoring rods may be in communication with thegenerator, one or more electrical leads, wires, or a combinationthereof. Preferably, the anchoring rods may be insulated from oneanother so that a short between the anchoring rods is prevented.

The anchoring sections may include one or more extensions that extendfrom the flexing sections, the gripping sections, or both. Preferably,each anchoring section includes two extensions. One or more webs maylaterally connect the extensions so that the anchoring section isgenerally rigid. Preferably, the anchoring section has a small profileor section so that the anchoring section can fit inside an inner portionof the tubular member and can easily slide within the tubular memberwhen the tubular member is moved distally, proximally, or both. Theanchoring section can be made from a thin or thinner gage of materialwire or sheet metal) compared to the other sections of the jaw elements(i.e., the gripping section, the flexing section, or both). Theanchoring section can include one or more recesses. The one or morerecesses may function to increase the area in contact with the anchorrod for welding or soldering the anchoring, section to a correspondinganchoring rod.

The one or more jaw elements may include one or more gripping sections.The one or more gripping sections may function to manipulate, capture,engage, move, grasp, grip push, pull, cut, tear, coagulate, seal,cauterize, dissect, fulgurate, or otherwise effect an object oranatomical feature of interest, such as a vessel, tissue, vein, artery,the like, or a combination thereof The one or more gripping sections maybe located at or near a distal end, section, or portion of one or moreof the jaw elements. The one or more gripping sections may include oneor more jaws, one or more stiffening spines, and/or one or more jawshrouds.

The one or more jaws may function to manipulate, capture, engage, move,grasp, grip push, pull, cut, tear, coagulate, seal, cauterize., dissect,fulgurate, or otherwise effect or perform a device function on an objector anatomical feature of interest, such as a vessel, tissue, vein,artery, the like, or a combination thereof. Preferably, uniform grippingand/or grasping forces can be provided along a length of the jaws oralong, a length of the gripping portions of each jaw when the jawassembly is in the closed position, is being moved into the closedposition is being moved from the closed position to the open position.

The one or more jaws may include one or more gripping portions. The oneor more gripping portions may function to manipulate, capture, engage,move, grasp, grip push, pull, cut, tear, coagulate, seal, cauterize,dissect, fulgurate, or otherwise effect or perform a device function onan object or an anatomical feature of interest, such as a vessel,tissue, vein, artery, the like, or a combination thereof; anon-anatomical feature or object of interest, or a combination thereof.The gripping portion may be located in an area or region between adistal tip or end of a jaw or jaw element and a distal portion or areaof the arcuate section or flexing section.

The one or more gripping portions may be electrically conductive. Thatis, the gripping portions may include one or more electricallyconductive portions, The one or more gripping portions, electricallyconductive portions, or both may function to pass one or more therapysignals or currents between the gripping portions, electricallyconductive portions, an object, the anatomy, or a combination thereof,The one or more griping portions, electrically conductive portions, orboth may be an electrode or may be in communication with an electrode orotherwise in communication with a generator. The one or moreelectrically conductive portions may be an entire portion of thegripping portions. That is, the one or more electrically conductiveportions may extend in an area or region between a distal tip of one ormore of the jaws or jaw elements and a distal portion of the arcuatesections or flexing sections. The one or more electrically conductiveportions may comprise a smaller area or portion of the grippingportions. In other words, the one or more electrically conductiveportions may take up a smaller area or portion between the distal tip ofthe jaw or jaw assembly and a distal portion of the arcuate or flexingsections. A proximal end or portion of the one or more electricallyconductive portions may be aligned with or the same as a proximal end orportion of the one or more gripping portions.

The one or more gripping portions may also include one or more insulatedportions or non-electrically conductive portions. The one or moreinsulated or non-electrically conductive portions may be insulated orotherwise not connected to an electrode or generator. Accordingly, theone or more non-electrically conductive portions may be unable orrestricted from passing a therapy current between the jaws, an object,the anatomy, or a combination thereof.

The one or more jaws, gripping portions, electrically conductiveportions, non-electrically conductive portions, or a combination thereofmay include one or more areas having teeth, no teeth, projections, or acombination thereof. The one or more teeth or projections may he formedor cut into the jaw or gripping portion by a suitable process or method,such as by grinding, electrical discharge machining, stamping, coining,etc. The one or more jaws or gripping portions may include one or moretroughs between the teeth to separate one tooth from another. The one ormore teeth may have sharp points to assist in grasping an object ortissue. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more teeth may haveflattened tops to distribute forces associated with grasping forces sothat the object or tissue, especially vessel walls, are not punctured orotherwise damaged when an object, vessel, or tissue is between the jawsin the closed position. Puncturing an object or tissue may undesirablycause the two opposing jaws or gripping portions to contact one another,which may cause an electrical short if the one or both of the jaws areelectrically charged. The one or more gripping portions may include oneor more projections that may be the same as or different from theprojections described herein on the jaw shroud, the stiffening spine, orboth.

The one or move gripping portions, electrically conductive portions,jaws, or a combination thereof may include one or more electrodes. Theone or more electrodes maybe used in electrosurgery. The one or moreelectrodes may function to cauterize, dissect, cut and/or coagulate anobject, vessel or tissue between the jaws, gripping portion, or both.The one or more electrodes may be in a monopolar electrosurgicalcircuit, a bipolar electrosurgical circuit, a blended circuit, or acombination thereof. The one or more electrodes may be in communicationwith a generator or other source of electrosurgical current. The one ormore electrodes may be in communication with the one or more grippingportions, the one or more electrically conductive portions, or both sothat a suitable therapy current can be passed between the electrodes,through an object or feature of the anatomy, to a remote patient pad, ora combination thereof The one or more electrodes may be in communicationwith the jaw anchoring rods, one or more wires, traces, or both, whichmay be in electrical communication with the generator. To excite thebipolar energy, a user can depress or otherwise actuate one or more userinput controls, such as a button on the hand piece or a foot pedal at aremote location, for example, which may close an electrical, switch sothat electrical energy can communicate between the generator to the oneor more electrodes, electrically conductive portions, or both. The oneor more electrodes may also function to pass monopolar energy betweenone or more of the electrodes and a remote patient pad.

The one or more jaw shrouds may function to reinforce or stiffen thegripping section, the jaws, the jaw elements, the gripping portions, theelectrically conductive portions, or a combination thereof The jawshroud may function to provide the jaw assembly with a substantiallyuniform grasping or gripping pressure or force in the gripping portion,electrically conductive portion or both. The jaw shroud may function toovercome beam deflection in one or both of the jaws, gripping portions,electrically conductive portions, or a combination thereof when the jawassembly is in a closed position or is being moved into the closedposition especially when an object, vessel, or tissue is located betweenthe jaws. The jaw shroud may function to stiffen the gripping section orgripping portion without the need for one or more stiffening spines.

The jaw shroud may be fabricated from a suitable material. Preferably,the jaw shroud is fabricated from a material that is suitable for use inmedical procedures, such as metal and/or plastic, for example. The jawshroud may be formed by any suitable process, such as stamping, metalinjection molding (MIM), or plastic injection molding, for example. Thejaw shroud may be thermally insulating so that a thermal barrier can beprovided between the jaws, the jaw assembly, or both. A thermallyinsulting shroud may be preferred in some applications so that thermalspread is limited or reduced. The jaw shroud may be electricallyinsulating to prevent an electrical short when the instrument is used inelectrosurgery.

A jaw shroud may be attached to one or both of the jaws or jaw elements.That is, a jaw shroud can be attached to an upper jaw or jaw element, alower jaw or jaw element, or both jaws and jaw elements. The jaw shroudmay be attached to the one or more jaws, jaw elements, or both in anysuitable manner. For example, the jaw shroud may be bonded orover-molded onto a jaw element, jaw, stiffening spine, or a combinationthereof. For example, the jaw shroud can be slipped-on or slipped-over adistal end of a stiffening spine, a jaw element, a jaw, or a combinationthereof. For example, the jaw shroud may be attached, connected,interlaced, welded, ultrasonically welded, staked, adhered, or acombination thereof onto the stiffening spine, as jaw element, jaw, or acombination thereof For example, the jaw shroud can be snapped into oronto a channel, groove, or projection in or on a corresponding jaw, jawelement, and/or stiffening spine. The jaw shroud can include one or moreconnecting features that may cooperate with one or more undercutfeatures on the stiffening spine, jaw, or both to attach the jaw shroudto the stiffening spine. The one or more connecting features, undercutfeatures, or both can be welded or melted together to prevent orrestrict removal or separation of the jaw shroud and the stiffeningspine. The one or more connecting features, undercut feature, or bothmay be one or more metal or plastic mating projections, grooves, nubs,posts; mating male and female dovetail sections, or other like featuressuitable for connecting the spine and the shroud.

In some configurations, the jaw shroud may be irreversibly attached tothe stiffening spine, jaw element, jaw, or a combination thereofIrreversibly attached may mean that the jaw shroud cannot be separatedfrom the stiffening spine, jaw element, jaw, or a combination thereofwithout substantially damaging the jaw shroud, the stiffening spine, ajaw element, jaw, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, thejaw shroud may be reversibly connected to the stiffening spine, tawelement, jaw, or a combination thereof. Reversibly connected may meanthat that the jaw shroud can be separated from the stiffening spine, ajaw element, jaw, or a combination thereof without substantiallydamaging the jaw shroud, the stiffening spine, a element, jaw, or acombination thereof. In some configurations, the jaw shroud may beintegrally formed with the jaw, the jaw element, stiffening spine, or acombination thereof.

The jaw shroud may be include one or more projections. The one or moreprojections may function to restrict or prevent the two opposing jaws,gripping portions, electrically conductive portions and/or electrodesfrom contacting one another, which may undesirably cause an, electricalshort if the one or both of the jaws are electrically charged; mayundesirably puncture or otherwise damage an object, vessel or tissuebetween the jaws; or both. An electrical short may be interpreted as anerror by one or more generators, which may trigger corrective electricalmoves in the generator, for example. One or both of the jaw shrouds mayinclude one or more projections. That is, the projections may be locatedon an upper jaw shroud, on a lower jaw shroud, or located on both jawshrouds. The one or more projections may be of substantially equalheight, or the height of the projections may vary. Preferably, the oneor more projections are shorter than the one or more stabilizing tonguesdescribed below. The one or more projections may be fabricated from thesame material as the rest of the jaw shroud, or may be fabricated fromdifferent materials. For example, the jaw shroud can be fabricated fromplastic or metal, while the on more projections can be fabricated frommetal or plastic, respectively,

The one or more stiffening spines may function to reinforce or stiffenthe gripping section, the jaws, the jaw elements, the gripping portions,the electrically conductive portions, or a combination thereof. Thestiffening spines may function to provide the jaw assembly with asubstantially uniform grasping or gripping, pressure or force in thegripping portion, electrically conductive portion or both. Thestiffening spines may function to make one or both of the jaws orgripping portions substantially rigid. The stiffening spines mayfunction to make one or both of gripping portions more rigid (i.e. lessflexible) than the one or more actuate sections, the one or more flexingsections, or both. The stiffening spines may function to overcome beamdeflection in one or both of the jaws, gripping portions, electricallyconductive portions, or a combination thereof when the jaw assembly isin a closed position or is being moved into the dosed positionespecially when an object, vessel, or tissue is located between thejaws. The stiffening spine may function to stiffen the gripping sectionor gripping portion without the need for one or more jaw shrouds.

The stiffening spine may be fabricated from a suitable material.Preferably, the stiffening spine is fabricated from a material that issuitable for use in medical procedures, such as metal and/or plastic,for example. The stiffening spine may be formed by any suitable process,such as stamping, metal injection molding (MIM), or plastic injectionmolding, for example. The stiffening spine may be thermally insulatingso that a thermal barrier can be provided between the jaws, the jawassembly, or both. A thermally insulting stiffening spine may bepreferred in some applications so that thermal spread is limited orreduced. The stiffening spine may be electrically insulating to preventan electrical short when the instrument is used in electrosurgery.

A stiffening spine may be attached to one or both of the jaws or jawelements. That is, a stiffening spine can be attached to an upper jaw orjaw element, a lower jaw or jaw element, or both jaws and jaw elements.The stiffening spine may be attached to the one or more jaws, jawelements, or both in any suitable manner. For example, the stiffeningspine may be bonded or over-molded onto a jaw element, jaw, jaw shroud,or a combination thereof. For example, the stiffening spine can beslipped-on or slipped-over a distal end of a jaw element, a jaw, or acombination thereof. For example, the stiffening spine may be attached,connected, interlaced, welded, ultrasonically welded, staked, adhered,or a combination thereof to the jaw shroud, a jaw element, jaw, or acombination thereof. For example, the stiffening spine can be snappedinto or onto a channel, groove, or projection in or on a correspondingjaw, jaw dement, and/or stiffening spine. The stiffening spine caninclude one or more undercut features that may cooperate with one ormore connecting features on the stiffening spine, jaw, or both to attachthe jaw shroud to the stiffening spine. The one or more connectingfeatures, undercut features, or both can be welded or melted together toattach and prevent or restrict separation and/or removal of the jawshroud and the stiffening spine. The one or more connecting features,undercut feature, or both may be one or more metal or plastic matingprojections, grooves, nubs, posts, or other like features suitable forconnecting the spine and the shroud.

In some configurations, the stiffening spine may be irreversiblyattached to the jaw shroud, a jaw element, jaw, or a combinationthereof. Irreversibly attached may mean that the stiffening spine cannotbe separated from the jaw shroud, jaw element, jaw, or a combinationthereof without substantially damaging the jaw shroud, the jaw shroud, ajaw element, jaw, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, thestiffening spine may be reversibly connected to the jaw shroud a jawelement, jaw, or a combination thereof. Reversibly connected may meanthat that the stiffening spine can be separated from the jaw shroud, ajaw clement, jaw, or a combination thereof without substantiallydamaging the stiffening spin, the jaw shroud, a jaw element, jaw, or acombination thereof. In some configurations, the stiffening spine may beintegrally farmed with the jaw, the jaw element, jaw shroud, or ascombination thereof

In some configurations, the one or more stiffening spines ma extend orproject from an outer or upper surface of one or both of the jaws. Theouter or tipper surface may oppose the gripping, portion of the jaws. Insome configurations when the jaw assembly is in the open position, a gapmay extend between an edge of the stiffening spine and a correspondingjaw element, arcuate section, or both. When the jaw assembly is movedinto the closed position, the edge of one or more of the stiffeningspines may contact a portion of the respective jaw element, arcuatesection, or both so that the gripping portions, the jaws, or both areprevented from deflecting, especially when an object, vessel, or tissueis located between the jaws. That is, one or more of the grippingsections or portions may at least partially bend, move, or flex as thejaw assembly is moved into a closed position. In the process of movingthe jaw assembly into the closed position, an edge of the stiffeningspine may contact a corresponding arcuate section so that the gripingportion becomes less flexible or the rigidity thereof is increased.Accordingly, additional moving, flexing, bending, or deflection of thegripping portion is reduced, prevented or restricted. In this regard,the jaw assembly, the gripping portions, or both can have variableflexibility as the jaw assembly is moved from the open position to theclosed position; that is, the gripping portions can gave greaterflexibility and less rigidity in the open position and less flexibilityand more rigidity in the closed position. A uniform gripping and/orgrasping pressure can provided along a length of the gripping portion ofthe first jaw element and the gripping portion of the second jaw elementwhen the edge of the stiffening spine contacts or engages thecorresponding jaw element, arcuate section, or both.

The stiffening spine may be include one or more projections. The one ormore projections may function to restrict or prevent the two opposingjaws, gripping portions, electrically conductive portions, and/orelectrodes from contacting one another, which may undesirably cause anelectrical short if the one or both of the jaws are electricallycharged; may undesirably puncture or otherwise damage a vessel or tissuebetween the jaws; or both. An electrical short may be interpreted as anerror by one or more generators, which may trigger corrective electricalmoves in the generator, for example. One or both of the stiffeningspines may include one or more projections. That is, the projections maybe located on an upper stiffening spine, on a lower stiffening spine, orlocated on both stiffening spines. The one or more projections may be ofsubstantially equal height, or the height of the projections may vary.Preferably, the one or more projections are shorter than the one or morestabilizing tongues described below. The one or more projections may befabricated from the same material as the rest of the stiffening spine,or may be fabricated from different materials. For example, thestiffening spine can be fabricated from plastic or metal, while the oneor more projections can be fabricated from metal or plastic,respectively.

The one or more jaw shrouds, stiffening spines, jaws, jaw elements, or acombination thereof may include one or more stabilizing tongues. The oneor more stabilizing tongues may function to provide lateral stability tothe jaw assembly when the jaw assembly is in a closed position, openposition, or both. The one or more stabilizing tongues may function toprovide lateral stability to the jaw assembly as the jaw assembly isbeing moved into the open position, the closed position, or both.

The one or more stabilizing tongues may function to restrict or preventfrom an object or anatomical feature from being grasped, grabbed, orotherwise positioned in the jaw assembly too far in a proximal directiontowards the hand piece. In other words, the one or more stabilizing,tongues may function to restrict or prevent an object or anatomicalfeature from being grasped, grabbed, or otherwise positioned proximallypast the one or more gripping portions, electrically conductiveportions, or both. For example, if an object or anatomical feature isgriped, grasped or positioned in the jaw assembly too far in theproximal direction or proximally past the gripping portions or theelectrically conductive portions, the object, vessel or tissue may bepositioned off of the teeth, which may cause the object or anatomicalfeature to slip between the jaws. Additionally or alternatively, anobject, vessel or tissue griped, grasped or positioned too far in aproximal direction beyond a proximal end of the gripping portion, theelectrically conductive portions, or both may not be subjected to auniform gripping or grasping forces. During electrosurgery, for example,an object or anatomical feature improperly griped, grasped or positionedin the jaw assembly (e.g., too far in a proximal direction in the jawassembly, beyond the gripping portion, the electrically conductiveportion, or a combination thereof) may not be properly coagulated.Advancing a cut blade onto a vessel or tissue that is not sufficientlygrasped or coagulated, may undesirably cause bleeding or other trauma tothe object or anatomical feature. Accordingly, the stabilizing tonguemay function as a stop or alignment feature so that the object, vesselor tissue can be properly grasped and/or positioned between the jaws,relative to the gripping portions, the electrically conductive portions,or a combination thereof.

The one or more stabilizing tongues may be longer, shorter, or even thesame size as than the one or more projections of the jaw shroud,stiffening spine, jaws, or a combination thereof. When the jaw assemblyis in the open position, the one or more stabilizing tongues may extendtowards and overhang or extend past an opposing jaw or jaw shroud.Accordingly, as an object or anatomical feature being located or placedbetween the jaws, the stabilizing tongue can act as a stop so that theobject or anatomical feature is not placed too far back proximally intothe jaw assembly.

The one or more stabilizing tongues may be free from contacting thegripping portion of an opposing jaw. Instead, preferably, thestabilizing tongue can be slipped into or slide along a side of anopposing jaw, jaw element, and/or jaw shroud when the jaw assembly ismoved into a closed position. Preferably, the one or more jaw shrouds,stiffening spines, or both include one or more cavities or recesses. Theone or more cavities or recesses are preferably aligned with astabilizing tongue located on an opposing jaw shroud. The one or morecavities or recesses may therefore function o receive a stabilizingtongue of an opposing jaw shroud when the jaw assembly is in an openposition and/or closed position.

The one or more stabilizing tongues may be located on one or bothlateral sides of the jaw assembly. Preferably, each jaw shroud includesone stabilizing tongue. Preferably, the same jaw shroud can be attachedto the top or bottom jaw and still function properly. Accordingly, whenthe jaw assembly includes two jaw shrouds, a stabilizing tongue isprovide on each side of the jaw assembly.

The instrument may include one or more cut blades. The cut blade mayfunction to cut an object or anatomical feature of interest, such as avessel or tissue, for example. The cut blade may be a cutting blade,scalpel, etc. The cut blade can be located between the jaws, the jawassembly, or both. The cut blade may be reciprocated within a cut bladechannel or groove located in one or both of the jaws, gripping sections,gripping portions, or a combination thereof. In a neutral or steadystate, the blade can be retracted. In a cut state, the blade can bemoved or extended to cut an object, vessel or tissue captured betweenthe jaw assembly (e.g., when the jaw assembly is in a closed or clampingposition). The blade may be connected or affixed to one or more bladepushrods. The blade pushrods may also be connected to affixed to thehand piece or one or more mechanisms in the hand piece. The cut bladecan be rotated about an axis. The cut blade can be rotated about an axismay be the same as the tubular member axis along which the tubularmember is moved. Rotating the blade may provide for a user toadvantageously alter an orientation of the approach of the blade totissue without having to twist the hand piece into a difficult oruncomfortable position, for example.

FIG. 1 illustrates the instrument 10. The instrument 10 includes atubular member 13 a jaw assembly 14, and a hand piece 16. The jawassembly 14 comprises as first jaw element 18 and a second jaw element20. The hand piece 16 includes one or more user inputs or controls,including a lever 22, a trigger 24, a wheel 26, and a button 28.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary first jaw element 18, which may also bethe second jaw element 20. The jaw element 18, 20 includes a grippingsection 30, an anchoring section 32, and a flexing section 34. Thegripping section 30 includes a jaw 36, as jaw shroud 38, and astiffening spine 40. The anchoring section 32 includes a recess 42. Theanchoring section 32 also includes a web 44 connecting a first anchoringsection 46 to a second anchoring section 48. The flexing section 34includes one or more arcuate sections 50.

FIG. 3 illustrates the gripping section 30 of the jaw element 18, 20(FIG. 2). The gripping section includes a jaw 36, a jaw shroud 38, and astiffening spine 40. The jaw 36 includes a channel 74 into which one ormore projections 70 of the stiffening spine 40 may be received to attachthe stiffening spine 40 to the jaw 36.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the gripping section 30, which includesa jaw 36, a jaw shroud 38, and a stiffening spine 40. The jaw shroud 36includes a connecting, feature 76 and the stiffening spine 40 includesan undercut feature 78. The connecting feature 76 and the undercutfeature 78 may cooperate to attach the jaw shroud 36 to the stiffeningspine 40 and therefore to the jaw 36.

FIG. 5 illustrates the jaw assembly 14, which includes a first jawclement 18 and a second jaw element 20. The jaw assembly 14 is shown inan open position. The tubular member 12 includes a mouth or distalopening 72. The flexing sections 34 include arcuate sections 50. Movingthe tubular member 12 distally into contact with or onto the arcuatesections 50 causes the jaw assembly 14 to move or flex from the openposition to the closed position (See FIGS. 7c and/or 8 b). A cut blade52 is located between the jaw elements 18, 20. One or both of the jaws36 includes a jaw shroud 38, a stiffening spine 40, and an electrode 68.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the jaw element 18, 20. The jaw 36includes a gripping portion 51 and an electrically conductive portion53. The jaw 36, the gripping portion 51, and/or the electricallyconductive portion 53 includes teeth 52 and one or more electrodes 68.The teeth 52 can have flattened tops 54, sharp points 56, or both.Between teeth 52, the jaw 36 includes a trough 58. The jaw 36 alsoincludes a cut blade slot 60 for the cut blade 52 (FIG. 5) to be movedor stored within. The jaw shroud 38 or the stiffening spine 40 includesa stabilizing tongue 62; a cavity or recess 64 for receiving astabilizing tongue 62 located on an opposing jaw 36 (not illustrated);and a projection 66. The stiffening spine 40 also includes projections70.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show a jaw assembly 14. Specifically, FIG. 7a shows thejaw assembly 14 in an open position, and FIG. 7b shows the jaw assembly14 in the closed position. The jaw assembly 14 includes an opposingfirst and second jaw element 18, 20. Each of the jaw elements 18, 20include a jaw 36 having a gripping portion 51 and an electricallyconductive portion 51 The jaw shroud 38 or the stiffening spine 40 (notshown) includes a stabilizing tongue 62 and a cavity or recess 64 forreceiving a stabilizing tongue 62 located on an opposing jaw shroud 38or the stiffening spine 40. In the open position (FIG. 7b ), thestabilizing tongue 62 can prevent an object or anatomical feature frombeing inserted or pushed too far proximally towards the hand piece, forexample). In the closed position (FIG. 7e ), a tip 88 of the stabilizingtongue 64 is positioned below an outer or top surface 90 of jaw 18; thatis, the tip 88 does not extend beyond the outer or top surface 90 of jaw18 when the jaw is in the closed position and also the open position.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show as jaw assembly 14 and tubular member 12. FIG. 8ashows the jaw assembly 14 in an open position, and FIG. 8b shows the jawassembly 14 in a closed potion with an object, vessel, or tissue 80located between the jaws. The jaw assembly 14 includes a first jawelement 18 and a second jaw element 20. The first and second jawelements 18 include stiffening spines 40 and arcuate sections 50. In theopen position, a gap 84 is located between an edge 86 of the stiffeningspine 40 and the arcuate portion 50 of the jaw elements 18, 20. Duringuse, the tubular member 12 can be moved in a distal direction 82 so thatthe mouth 72 of the tubular member 12 contacts and/or moves over one orboth of the arcuate sections 50. Further movement of the tubular member12 in the distal direction 82 causes the gripping portions 51, theelectrically conductive portion 53, or both of the jaw elements 18, 20to move or flex towards one another. Thereafter, the edges 84 of one ormore of the stiffening spines 40 contact a portion of the arcuatesection 50 of a corresponding jaw element 18, 20 so that thecorresponding gaps 86 are taken up. Accordingly, the jaw elements 18,20, the gripping portions 51, the jaws, or a combination thereof can berestricted or prevented from bending, flexing, or deflecting.Accordingly, a substantially uniform grasping or gripping pressure canbe provided along an entire length of the gripping portions 51.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis as separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, or example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in as similar manner. As can beseen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein alsocontemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight.Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Teachings of arange in terms of at “‘x’ parts by weight of the resulting polymericblend composition also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recitedamount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blendcomposition.”

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

1) (canceled) 2) The instrument of claim 5, wherein the second jawelement comprises a flexing section including an arcuate section, andwherein the tubular member is moveable onto the arcuate section of thefirst jaw element and onto the arcuate section of second jaw element sothat the flexing section of the first jaw element is flexed and theflexing section of the second jaw element is flexed and the jaw assemblyis moved into the closed position. 3) The instrument of claim 5, whereinthe first jaw element is electrically conductive, and the second jawelement is electrically conductive, and the first jaw element, thesecond jaw element or both, includes an electrically insulating jawshroud, and wherein the stiffening spine secures the jaw shroud to thefirst jaw element, the second jaw element, or both. 4) The instrument ofclaim 3, wherein the jaw shroud includes a connecting feature and thestiffening spine includes an undercut feature, and wherein theconnecting feature and the undercut feature are connected together. 5)An instrument comprising: a forceps comprising: i. a hand piece; ii. atubular member connected to the hand piece; and iii. a jaw assemblyconnected to the hand piece, the jaw assembly comprising: a. a first jawelement comprising a gripping section and a flexing section, the flexingsection includes an arcuate section; b. a second jaw element opposingthe first jaw element, the second jaw element comprises a grippingsection; wherein the tubular member is moveable onto the arcuate sectionof the first jaw element so that the flexing section of the first jawelement is flexed and the jaw assembly is moved into a closed position,wherein the first jaw element and optionally the second jaw elementincludes a stiffening spine so that the jaw assembly is substantiallyrigid the closed position, wherein in the closed position, an edge ofthe stiffening spine included on the first jaw element contacts thearcuate section of the first jaw element so that a uniform grippingpressure is provided along a gripping portion of the first jaw elementand a gripping portion of the second jaw element, and wherein when thejaw assembly is in an open position, a gap is defined between the edgeof the stiffening spine and the arcuate section of the first jawelement. 6) The instrument of claim 3, wherein the jaw shroud includesone or more projections so that in the closed position, the one or moreprojections provide a stand off so that a gripping portion of the firstjaw element and a gripping portion of the second jaw element areprevented from touching. 7) The instrument of claim 5, wherein thestiffening spine includes one or more projections so that in the closedposition, the one or more projections provide a stand off so that agripping portion of the first jaw element and a gripping portion of thesecond jaw element are prevented from touching. 8) The instrument ofclaim 3, wherein the jaw shroud includes a stabilizing tongue thatprovides lateral stability to the jaw assembly when the jaw assembly isin the closed position or when the jaw assembly is moved into the closedposition. 9) The instrument of claim 3, wherein the jaw shroud includesa stabilizing tongue extending from a proximal end of the jaw shroud sothat an object is prevented from extending beyond a proximal end of oneor more electrically conductive surfaces relative to the hand piece. 10)The instrument of claim 5, wherein the jaw assembly is free of anypivoting joints or mechanisms. 11) The instrument of claim 5, wherein aproximal end of the flexing section of the first jaw clement isrestricted from moving distally, proximally, or both relative to thehand piece. 12) The instrument of claim 5, wherein the gripping sectionof the first jaw element, the gripping section of the second jawelement, or both includes a cut blade slot for reciprocating and/orrotating as cut blade. 13) The instrument of claim 5, wherein thegripping section of the first jaw element, the gripping section of thesecond jaw element, or both includes an electrode. 14-26) (canceled)